Murder After Midnight & Favorite Christies

Murder After Midnight by Liam Ashe

I have some exciting news! Yesterday I published Murder After Midnight, my first mystery novella in an unabashedly Agatha Christie style (now available on Amazon).

Now, to get into the spirit of the Grand Dame of Golden Age Murder, I asked each of my newsletter subscribers to send me the title of their favorite Christie—be it book, short story or play. To my surprise, I received more than 50 responses from all around the world.

I sifted through the lists of favorites (most readers couldn’t pick just one), and the results were a little surprising. As beloved as Jane Marple is to Christie’s fans, she only made this top ten once (although several of her books were mentioned, including Murder at the Vicarage and Sleeping Murder). Nearly every other, minor Christie protagonist was mentioned at least once by readers: Superintendent Battle, Parker Pyne, Harley Quinn and the pair of Tommy & Tuppence.

Of course, the list was dominated by the indomitable Hercule Poirot who claimed seven of the top ten spots. His classics—mysteries like The ABC Murders, Evil Under the Sun and Murder on the Orient Express—were clear favorites.

Outside of the top ten, there were several notable faves, including Death on the Nile, The Mysterious Affair at Styles and Death Comes as the End. There were also a few, lesser-read surprises, including The Mystery of the Blue Train, Sad Cypress and Elephants Can Remember

Take a look at the list below and, if there’s one or two you haven’t read in a while, you can jump over to Amazon to pick up a copy in print or on Kindle.

1. Murder on the Orient Express

Paperback | Kindle

2. And Then There Were None

Paperback | Kindle

3. The ABC Murders

Paperback | Kindle

4. Hickory Dickory Dock

Paperback | Kindle

5. At Bertram’s Hotel

Paperback | Kindle

6. Evil Under the Sun

Paperback | Kindle

7. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Paperback | Kindle

8. Hallowe’en Party

Paperback | Kindle

9. Curtain

Paperback | Kindle

10. The Seven Dials

Paperback | Kindle


Love a good murder? Be sure to take a stab at Thou Shalt Not Kilt, a traditional Southern cozy with Scottish flavor. For my latest news and book updates, follow me on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for Fatal Fiction, my monthly mystery newsletter — plus, you’ll get a free downloadable copy of Masters of Murder, my guide to the detectives and authors of mystery’s Golden Age!

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Masters of Murder

Love classic mysteries? Enjoy getting free books? Sign up for my monthly newsletter, Fatal Fiction, and you’ll receive a complimentary copy of Masters of Murder, my guide to the essential authors and mysteries of murder’s Golden Age. Each month I’ll also send you mystery reviews, news on new releases and chances to win free books and other amazing stuff.

Get your free book!

Love classic mysteries? Sign up for my monthly newsletter, Fatal Fiction, and I’ll send you a free copy of Masters of Murder, my brief guide to mystery’s Golden Age. You’ll also get news on my new releases and chances to win other amazing stuff.

Masters of Murder by Liam Ashe